They enjoyed a festive marriage at St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Blackhall, on December 22, 1973.

Their marriage certificate describes John as a schoolteacher and his bride, previously known as Anne Stephenson, as a secretary.
A wedding report in the Mail days later offers further clues to their background.

It describes John as working at English Martyrs School, at Leadgate, near Consett, and Anne at Hartlepool printing firm William Barlow and Son.

The report adds: "Given in marriage by her father, the bride was in white lace, with a bridal veil and head dress, and carried a bouquet of red roses."

By the time John Darwin disappeared on March 21, 2002, the couple had celebrated 28 years of marriage.

Now that figure has unexpectedly reached 34.

Exactly whether or not the couple will share any more anniversaries together remains unclear.